CED Project Planning & Execution 2

Question 1

A nonprofit executive director is launching a capital campaign. Which project planning tool best maps task dependencies and identifies the critical path?

Accepted Answer

PERT/CPM network diagram

Answer

PERT/CPM network diagrams explicitly model task dependencies and compute the critical path — the longest sequence that determines minimum project duration.

Question 2

Midway through a building renovation project, the contractor discovers unexpected structural damage. As executive director, your FIRST action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Assess scope, cost, and schedule impact before escalating

Answer

Before escalating or acting, the executive director should gather impact data so decisions and communications are informed rather than reactive.

Question 3

Which estimating technique involves averaging the optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates using a weighted formula to produce a single duration estimate?

Accepted Answer

Three-point (PERT) estimating

Answer

Three-point (PERT) estimating uses the formula (O + 4M + P) / 6 to produce a weighted average that accounts for uncertainty.

Question 4

A project stakeholder map categorizes individuals by their level of interest and power. High-power, low-interest stakeholders should primarily be:

Accepted Answer

Kept satisfied with targeted, high-level communication

Answer

High-power, low-interest stakeholders should be kept satisfied — they can derail projects if neglected but don't need constant detail.

Question 5

An executive director sets a project baseline at kickoff. The primary purpose of the baseline is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a reference point for measuring project performance

Answer

A project baseline — covering scope, schedule, and budget — is the approved reference against which actual performance is compared throughout the project.

(CED) Certified Executive Director Practice Test

(CED) Certified Executive Director Practice Test

CED Project Planning & Execution 2